Management Summary Phase I and II Archeological Investigations on the Avon Park Air Force Range

Geo Marine, Inc. conducted Phase I and II archaeological investigations on the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) from February 2 through June 24, 2004. These investigations were conducted under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District and the U.S. Air Force. The purpose of these investigations is to assist the Air Force with the management of cultural resources as delineated under the National Historic Preservation Act, including Sections 106 and 110, and Air Force Regulations regarding prehistoric or historic sites of cultural significance.
The Phase II portions of the investigation involved National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) determination for 18 different prehistoric and historic properties located within the APAFR. These sites had been identified through previous archaeological investigations and were considered potentially eligible for the NRHP. The Phase II testing provides an opportunity to address the sites within the regional cultural framework as to their potential to contribute information pertinent to reconstructing the prehistory and the history of the area.
Phase I investigations consisted of intensive pedestrian survey of selected tracts within the APAFR. These tracts were selected by the Technical Program Manager in order to provide an inventory of archaeological properties that would be potentially impacted by proposed use of the area for Naval target and live-bombing exercises. Survey areas consisted of six different tracts within the proposed Naval footprint and were designed to test a variety of areas previously designed as high, medium, or low probability in regard to potential for the occurrence of cultural resources.